Organic dairy and pastoral farmers in good heart

The Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group, which
represents the majority of organic dairy and pastoral
farmers, held a well-attended AGM in Gore on Friday March
14. The programme included field trips to the Retro Organic
cheese factory, and Grant and Alison Kingsbury's organic
sheep and beef farm, both near Mataura.

South Otago farmer
Glenn Mead was re-elected Chair of the ODPG. Highlights in
his Chair's Report for 2013-2014 included the ODPG
successfully negotiating with Fonterra for better contract
conditions for organic dairy farmers, and progress with
getting more organic meat into the export market.

Commenting on the success of the day, Glenn Mead
said:

“The mood of the farmers was positive, and there
was lots of questioning and discussion during the AGM, the
speakers' presentations, and on the field trips. Although we
still face big challenges (especially in establishing robust
marketing and distribution systems for our products) organic
dairy and pastoral farmers are in good heart. They are
enjoying their work and the contribution it makes not only
to their own livelihoods, but also to safe, healthy and
sustainable lives for others.”

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